FOOTBALL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18362, 21 April 1925, Page 12

FOOTBALL.

RUGBY. REPLACING INJURED PLAYERS. (SJICIIL TO ''THS TKISS.") WELLINGTON, April 20. In one of the senior Rugby matches cm Saturday, the replacement, of players was not permitted, this decision resulting from a suggestion by M. Nicholls, captain of the Petone " team. During tho progress of the play one of the "Wellington players met with an injury which prevented him from returning to the field after half-time, and in consequent Wellington were a man short throughout tha second hah' of the game with Petone..

The question of replacements was under discussion at the li\st meeting of the Wellin"ton Rugby Union's [Management Commitand; tho outcome was that Mr G. F. "W. Jackson gave notice to move at the next meeting-: "That there be no re-placement of players in the 'second spell." It is felt by Bbmc members of the Ilugby Union that tho calls for emergencies to take the field during the progress of games has been overdoue At times, and that tho replacements have come to be accepted as a rulo instead of a matter oi agreement between captains. On Saturday the "Wellington captain agreed to the suggestion bv 11. Nicholls, the Petone captain.

MAORI "ALL BLACKS." MINISTERIAL ADVICE. (srJtciAL to "the fbess.") "WELLINGTON, April 20. "When interviewed to-day in regard to comments iu which reference was made to certiin remarks (erroneously attributed to him) addressed to Nepia and Paowai, tho Maori members of the 1924 All Blacks' team, at a gathering held at Wairoa recently, the Hon. J. G. Coltes, Minister of Native Affairs, Said: "I was (greatly surprised whqn this matter was brought under my notice toiay. lam net in tho habit of making rash promises as I am alleged to ha#e raado when welcoming these two young mt!n back into the midst of their tribe (Ngati Kfthungunu). I, as Native Minister, advised them seriously to consider the question of settling down to a life of useful citizenship now that they had had a taste <jf the sporting life in other parts of the world 1 , and I expressed a hope thit if at jiny time my advice was of any use to them tJjay could have it for the asking. Advice \s what I promised to give, and not 'anything within my power to give.' "As for tho wild statement made that returned eoldiers have been reduced to starvation because tho Government gave them no help, I have nothing to say, because tho returned soldiers themselves and their associations already know what the Government ha 3 done aild "is doing to help them.'"

ASHBURTON SUB-UNION. At the weekly meeting of the Ashburtott County Rugbv Sub-union held last evening l , the prceidaht," Mr W. I' 1 . Witters, presided. The Jiayfield Club complained of tho Aatiburton Football Club's junior team defaultjing on Saturday, stating that it had been put to consider ible inconvenience And suggested that a fine bo imposed upon all teams that defaulted. , Tho Ashbuiton Clube delegate, Mr A, Thomson, stated that it was just a case of playera letting tho . Club down. It was decided that the fine which *W automatically inflicted under the Onions rules should stand. ■ ' It was decided that entries for the fourthgrade competition be closed nest Friday,' and to commence the competition in this grade on May 2nd, provided tho health restrictions ware lifted by that date. The chairman reported that he n«d disposed of tickets to tho value of £ll ss. Mr H. C Segers had sold £lO 5s worth, and Mr H. Barney £9 ss.

ASSOCIATION.

CHINESE TEAM'S TOUR. (F&133 ASSOCIATION TXI,EORAH.)

■ WELLINGTON, April 20. The Chinese Soccer tour balance-shekel published discloses a profit of £53 plu» an asset <ft £IBO for an advertising contract. The total Tfeceijts were £6564. Payment* include labour and grounds £673, steamer and rail fires £2526, motor fares £378, assembling and outfitting' Chineso £574, hotels and entertainment £1526, doctors, hospital and trainers' expenses abd material £233, printing, advertising and sundries £593.